List of Nootropic Drugs

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Post them here... one drug/herb/substance per "answer", with details. That way we build a big master list of nootropic drugs for reference. For additional information on what nootropic drugs are and how they work, see the question "What are Nootropics?"

Commonly known as G and under the brand names Sodium Oxybate, Xyrem, Alcover (Chemical name: gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is a depressant intoxicant. GHB is actually a sedative prescribed as a prescription sleep-aid. It is known for its ability to induce a short (several hour) coma-like sleep at high doses. A number of GHB-related deaths in combination with its addiction potential led to it being controlled by Federal law in 1999. One of the main cautions is that GHB is similar to alcohol in that at higher doses, users fall unconscious and are temporarily unable to be awakened (coma). It may also dangerously depress breathing. Of critical importance is that the user avoid mixing it with alcohol, which can result in death.

Piracetam (Nootrpyl, 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide)

One of the first chemicals to be called a "nootropic", Piracetam was actually named "Nootrpyl". The chemical is 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide and it is said to be used to control "twitching and jerking of the muscles". Several sources report "the way Piracetam works is not fully understood".

Intenret drug user forums report that piracetam "takes some time to fully show its effects(up to several weeks of daily administration)" and that "there are also anecdotes of the opposite (loss of the effect after consecutive use)". There are numerous reports of hypomania following large dosing with Piracetam.

Ampakines

Ampakines are a class of nootropics drugs which are positive modulators of AMPA-type glutamate receptors in the brain. Chemicals sold as Piracetam, Aniracetam, and Oxiracetam are considered mild ampakines.

Cavinton and Intelectol are brand names for Vinpocetine, an extract of the periwinkle plant. Vinpocetine supposedly increases blood flow to the brain and enhances memory. In Eastern Europe it is commonly used as a treatment of elderly dementia and those who are delusional.

Provigil is a brand name for Modafinil which has been approved by the FDA for use in treating sleeping conditions like shift work disorder and narcolepsy. A prescription for this is required in the U.S.. However, other countries have not moved to regulate it yet so it is easily bought on the internet.

There are a number of food supplements and vitamins that are considered to be nootropic (Beneficial to memory, concentration and mental alertness.). These might be considered by people who prefer to take a "natural approach" to mental enhancement.

B vitamins are found in unprocessed foods but high sources of them would be found in liver, tuna and turkey.
Vitamin D is commonly called the "sunshine vitamin" because sunlight helps convert the cholesterol in our body into it. You can also get vitamin D by eating mushrooms, alfalfa sprouts, beef liver, eggs and oily fishes such as eels, sardines, catfish, tuna and salmon.
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in the same oily fishes mentioned above. Other sources of Omega 3s are kiwi fruit, chia seeds, canola, flax and black raspberries.
Isoflavones are found in soy, green beans and other legumes.
Ginko Biloba is an extract from the Maidenhair or Kew tree. It has been used in traditional Oriental medicine for centuries in the treatment of asthma and diseases of the circulatory system. It is available in tablet form in most stores that sell vitamins and supplements.

Hydergine, also known under the names Gerimal and Niloric is a form of ergoloid mesylate, a mixture of alkaloids developed by Albert Hoffman (known as the practical inventor of LSD). Ergot alkaloids are anti-oxidants that protect neuro pathways. They are also reputed to increase blood flow to the brain and generally increase cognitive abilities. Ergoloid mesylate was approved by the FDA in 1951.

Dilantin (CHEMICAL NAME: 5,5-diphenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione) is an anti-convulsant; taken to enhance general cognitive function and an Anxiolytic. There is a long list of adverse and potentially dangerous side-effects associated with its use.

Attentil; Vigilor; BP 662 are brand names for the chemical name 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-4-[(4-chlorophenoxy)acetyl]piperazine that is used as a stimulant, learning aid and memory enhancer. There is a risk of serious liver damage and high fever with use.

HGH; Somatotropin; CB-311 are brand names for adenohypophyseal growth hormone. Human Growth Hormone is a protein produced by the pituitary gland to promote cell growth. It is most commonly used as an anti-aging agent but the incidence of side effects is high.

Has anyone from this sight discussed the ability of nicotine and its metabolites to enhance the important controlling underpinnings of memory? It appears the answer to the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease rests in tobacco.